Global Fellowship Scheme welcomes new international research and education leaders to St Andrews

The University is set to welcome more than 20 new award holders through its Global Fellowship Scheme for the 2026-27 academic year, expanding an international community of researchers, educators and practitioners who contribute to the academic life of St Andrews.

This year’s cohort reflects the breadth and global reach of the scheme. Scholars joining St Andrews come from institutions across five continents, including the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, the University of Bonn, Stellenbosch University, Western University, the University of Otago and the University of São Paulo.

Representing leading institutions from across the globe, this year’s Fellows bring expertise spanning artificial intelligence, viral evolution, bioengineering, climate resilience, medieval history, contemporary art, and the future of work. With additional strengths in entrepreneurship, student employability, and the traditions and practices of Aboriginal peoples, they will contribute fresh perspectives and foster new collaborations across the University’s research and teaching community.

Reflecting on this year’s awards, Deputy Principal and Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations), Professor Brad McKay said:

“This upcoming academic year, we welcome a new cohort of Global Fellows to St Andrews. Their visits will bring fresh perspectives, new expertise and exciting opportunities for collaboration across our research and education community. With this cohort, the programme will have supported almost 120 Global Fellows, creating a remarkable international network of scholars and practitioners connected to the University.

“While we celebrate our newest Fellows, we also recognise the enduring relationships that have developed through the scheme, many of which continue to generate innovative research, enrich the student experience, and extend the impact of our work long after a fellowship has concluded. The introduction of the Global Fellowship (Practice) this year further broadens those opportunities by strengthening links between academic research and expertise from beyond the university sector.”

2026-2027 Global Fellows

• Dr Rupsa Bhattacharjee, Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (hosted by School of Computer Science)
• Dr Vitali Byl, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Bonn (hosted by School of History)
• Dr Guilherme Cecílio, Associate Professor, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (hosted by the School of Classics)
• Dr Benjamin Favier, CNRS Research Scientist, French National Centre for Scientific Research (hosted by School of Mathematics and Statistics)
• Professor Jemma Geoghegan, Webster Family Chair in Viral Pathogenesis and Professor of Virology, University of Otago (hosted by School of Medicine)
• Professor Craig McGregor, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Stellenbosch University (hosted by School of Chemistry)
• Dr Rose Atieno Opiyo, Senior Lecturer, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (hosted by School of Psychology and Neuroscience)
• Dr Andy Tay, Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore (hosted by School of Biology)

2026-2027 Senior Global Fellows

• Professor Raymond Dean Astumian, Professor, University of Maine (hosted by School of Chemistry)
• Professor Campbell Grey, Professor of Classical Studies, University of Pennsylvania (hosted by School of Classics)
• Professor Ellen Ernst Kossek, Basil S. Turner Distinguished Professor Emerita of Management, Purdue University (hosted by Business School)
• Professor Catherine Lovelock, Professor and Georgina Sweet Laureate Fellow, University of Queensland (hosted by School of Geography and Sustainable Development)
• Professor Maureen Murphy, Professor of History of Contemporary Art, Paris Nanterre University (hosted by School of Art History)
• Professor Michael Rothberg, Professor of English and Comparative Literature, University of California, Los Angeles (jointly hosted by Schools of Modern Languages and International Relations)
• Professor Marcelo Cândido da Silva, Professor of Medieval History, University of São Paulo (hosted by School of History)
• Professor Holly Stein, Senior Research Scientist and Professor, AIRIE-Colorado, and Natural History Museum, University of Oslo (hosted by School of Earth and Environmental Sciences)
• Professor Mateu Villaret, Professor, University of Girona (hosted by School of Computer Science)
• Professor Mark Walker, Group Leader, University of Queensland (hosted by School of Biology)

2026-2027 Global Fellows (Education)

• Mr Simon Blackmore, Director of Student Experience and Wellbeing, University College Dublin (hosted by Proctor’s Office and Careers Centre)
• Professor Simon Parker, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Western University (hosted by the Business School)

2026-2027 Global Fellows (Practice)

• Theresa Ardler, artist, researcher, educator (hosted across multiple Schools)

 The 2027/2028 call of the Global Fellowship scheme is scheduled to open in November 2026. Queries about the scheme can be directed to the Global Office.